Parker Bros DHE Grade TI3 Hammerless 32″ 20 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1921 C&R
Sold for $7996.32
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: DHE* Grade TI3 Hammerless
*Originally supplied with ejectors, they do not currently function properly
Serial Number: 194699
Year of Manufacture: 1921
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 1/2”
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors (the ejectors are not currently functioning)
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. TITANIC STEEL.”, with two arrows pointing toward the lettering. The underside of the barrel set flat is marked “T” in circle, ”HT / A”, “3 8” with the “8” as super-script, “3”, “143”, and “J.G.” in oval. The underside of the lug is marked “20” and “0”, the left with “194699” and the rear with “699”. The top of the forend iron has the serial number “194699? and “PATD. MAY 7. 1901”. The sides of the frame are marked “PARKER BROS” on banners. The water table is marked “PARKER BROS. / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / PAT’D JAN. 18, AUG. 16. 1887. / PAT’D. OCT. 25. 1910. / PATD. AUG. 15. 1905” on the right lug. The left lug is marked “DH / 194699 / 3”. The lower tang is marked “N 194699”. The receiver has D-grade decorative engraving with the Parker Bros. banners amid scroll engraving with a pointer scene on each side, pheasant scene on the trigger plate and there is also decorative engraving on the exposed portion of the forend iron and latch and border engraving on the rear of the barrels.
Barrel Length: 32”, with solid, concave rib with wavy lines. The wavy line engraving stops short of a scribed line.
Choke: Left: Improved Modified, Right: Improved Modified, both fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 9.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with splinter forend with inlaid metal tip, capped pistol grip, engraved skeleton steel buttplate with checkered butt, and inlaid initial-plate in the belly (not marked). The forend has light handling wear with some scattered minor marks. The buttstock has more notable wear with some dings and more notable scratches. There are some spots of dark discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 3/8?. The LOP measures 14 1/8? from the front of the front trigger and 13 1/4? from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with scattered spots of minor oxidation. The checkering on the butt is lightly worn, but well defined. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. The left barrel has dents 5″, 8″ and 23 1/2″ from the muzzle, visible in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrels’ finish is generally strong with scattered spots of surface oxidation, some finish wear on the sides over the forend and some light nicks and scratches. There are dents in the left barrel about 5″, 8″ and 23 1/2″ from the muzzle. The receiver’s case color has muted, going to a fairly uniform gray color with scattered discoloration from oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The ejectors do not function correctly, but do function as extractors. The ejector mechanism in the forend assembly doesn’t appear to catch, needing to be manually set in order to reassemble the forend to the gun. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The tang mounted safety returns to ‘safe’ when the action is opened. The shotgun has no play in the frame to barrel fit. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers DH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1921, just after the close of the Great War. The DH Grade was the first grade offered by Parker with their new black Titanic steel barrels and many buyers found the DH to be the ideal choice for a higher grade Parker, not thinking the difference in price between the DH, CH, and BH to be commensurate with the increase in price. The gun is listed in the Parker records and still matches its original configuration, though it shows wear consistent with its age and use in the field. The left barrel has a few dents and the ejector mechanism will need some work before it is functioning correctly. Otherwise, this is a neat example of a 20 gauge DHE and would be well worth restoring whether you’re looking to add to your collection or just want a classy hunting shotgun. Please see our photos and good luck!